Tagged: united kingdom

July 14, 2025 @ 8:35 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Bank of Ireland released significant updates that underscore its role in supporting Ireland’s economic resilience and educational advancement. The first report highlights the strength of consumer spending in Ireland during June, driven by favorable economic conditions and evolving consumer behavior. The second announcement details… Read More

July 14, 2025 @ 12:12 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)’s annual report sets out how it has used data and technology to crack down on harm in financial services. As part of the report, the FCA shares that over 1,600 websites suspected of promoting financial services without permission were suspended, removed,… Read More

July 13, 2025 @ 4:00 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

In a significant policy reversal, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has paused plans to reduce the tax-free allowance for cash Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), following fierce opposition from building societies, banks, and consumer advocates. The decision, reported by multiple sources including the BBC and Financial Times,… Read More

July 12, 2025 @ 8:23 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Alpaca, a self-clearing broker-dealer and brokerage infrastructure API, announced its intended acquisition of WealthKernel, a wealthtech firm specializing in digital investment infrastructure and tax-advantaged products. This strategic acquisition will bring WealthKernel’s UK and EU licensed brokerage infrastructure to Alpaca, “supporting their global expansion to achieve… Read More

July 11, 2025 @ 7:51 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Data and technology company Experian and household decision platform RVU announce a new agreement that will help even more consumers access the right financial products for their circumstances. RVU, home to brands including Confused.com, Uswitch, and money.co.uk, will utilise Experian’s Eligibility Solution to “further enhance their customers’ ability to… Read More

July 11, 2025 @ 3:23 am By JD Alois  |  

UK GDP has dropped once again, defying expectations of a slight increase in the month of May. ONS reports that the monthly real gross domestic product (GDP) fell by 0.1% in May. This follows a decline in April of 0.3%. While monthly services output grew… Read More

July 10, 2025 @ 2:11 pm By JD Alois  |  

Gradient Labs has raised $13 million in Series A funding in a round led by Redpoint Ventures, with participation from Localglobe, Puzzle Ventures, Liquid 2 Ventures, and Exceptional Capital. Gradient Labs was founded by Gradient Labs was co-founded by Dimitri Masin, Neal Lathia, and Danai… Read More

July 9, 2025 @ 9:57 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Ziglu, a digital banking and crypto platform founded by former Starling Bank co-founder Mark Hipperson, has entered special administration, signaling severe financial distress. Ziglu was a high-profile Fintech startup that raised growth capital in several investment crowdfunding rounds. At one point, US based Robinhood was… Read More

July 9, 2025 @ 6:54 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The UK economy is at a pivotal moment, with recent reports from KPMG highlighting key developments in banking regulation, consumer sentiment, and credit conditions. Collectively, these updates reflect cautious optimism amid ongoing economic challenges, with implications for policymakers, businesses, and households. The United Kingdom’s ring-fencing… Read More

July 9, 2025 @ 6:09 am By JD Alois  |  

The Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) has published a report on Open Banking in APAC countries. The research covers 16 different jurisdictions and the status of Open Banking development across the region. Open Banking, also known as Open Finance, refers to the ability to share data… Read More

July 8, 2025 @ 6:23 am By JD Alois  |  

Monzo, a top UK-based digital bank, has been hit with a penalty of £21,091,300 for “inadequate anti-financial crime systems and controls.” In a public statement the UK Financial Conduct Authority said the infratctions took place between October 2018 and August 2020. The FCA stated that… Read More

July 8, 2025 @ 5:43 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The UK’s pension system is still failing to serve swathes of the workforce – and urgent action is needed to ensure that people are saving adequately for retirement. That’s the message from PensionBee, a firm focused on the consumer retirement market, as the Pension Schemes… Read More

July 8, 2025 @ 5:10 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Bank of England has recently published a series of working papers and a notable speech by Professor Alan Taylor, shedding light on critical economic issues ranging from historical inflation to modern monetary policy tools. These publications offer insights into the UK’s economic history, the… Read More

July 7, 2025 @ 10:16 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Metro Bank has completed a £19.725m, comprehensive asset-based lending deal with Hepworth Clay and its new owners 4D Capital Partners LLP. The package “includes Invoice Finance, Stock Finance and a Plant & Machinery Term Loan, alongside ongoing working capital facilities.” Hepworth Clay is the UK’s… Read More

July 7, 2025 @ 12:37 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

UK’s Starling Bank has announced a series of updates. Starling is a licensed digital bank offering a full stack of banking services augmented by a marketplace feature. While boosting its marketing team alongside a brand relaunch, Starling has introduced an AI-powered banking tool, and robust… Read More

July 7, 2025 @ 12:18 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

In an evolving global financial services landscape, bunq, one of Europe’s largest digital banks, continues to push boundaries with new features and international expansion plans. bunq currently reports 14.5 million users across 30 European countries. Founded in 2012 by entrepreneur Ali Niknam, bunq has prioritized… Read More

July 7, 2025 @ 11:21 am By Omar Faridi  |  

KPMG UK has offered commentary on economic and regulatory updates, reflecting the firm’s engagement with the UK’s financial landscape. Drawing from its experience in financial services, KPMG’s professionals have analyzed the Bank of England’s (BoE) Q2 Credit Conditions Survey, Money and Credit data, inflation figures,… Read More

July 7, 2025 @ 9:48 am By JD Alois  |  

In Deloitte’s Q2 CFO survey, the UK is deemed to be the most attractive destination when it comes to investment, alongside India, with a net 13% describing it as very or somewhat attractive. The survey was conducted  last month between the 16th and 19th of… Read More

July 7, 2025 @ 3:45 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Lloyds Banking Group continues to pursue a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility through a series of initiatives. From sustainable finance to leveraging artificial intelligence and addressing societal challenges, Lloyds reports that it is making strides to align its operations with its mission of… Read More

July 7, 2025 @ 3:13 am By Omar Faridi  |  

By canvassing opinions from more than 70 debt advisors, ThinCats gained valuable insights into the activity among UK lower mid-market companies. Key findings released are as follows: Only 6 per cent of UK advisers think that government policy supports SME growth. 52% think current policies are… Read More